Our Team
Abigail Helm, PhD
Lab Director
Dr. Helm is an Assistant Professor and Director of the Pain & Cognition Research Lab at UMass Chan Medical School in the Division of Health Systems Science and the Department of Medicine. Dr. Helm earned her doctorate in Psychology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and began research at UMass Chan in October 2020. Dr. Helm is also a scholar in the HEAL National K12 Clinical Pain Career Development Award (HEAL K12) program. Dr. Helm’s research interests include chronic pain, cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychopathology, and mobile health technologies. Outside of the lab, she enjoys hanging out with her family, running, reading, and watching Godzilla movies.
Sydney Maniaci
Clinical Research Assistant
Sydney is a clinical research assistant in the Pain & Cognition Research Lab at UMass Chan Medical School. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health at the same institution. Within the lab, Sydney manages research projects, conducts interviews, analyzes data, and supports publications and grant submissions. Some of her research interests include health psychology, psychiatric disorders, autoimmune conditions, and sexual and reproductive health. Outside of the lab, Sydney enjoys watching movies, spending time with friends and family, any outdoor exercise/activities, reading, and bracelet making!
Eleni Kachadoorian, BA